The Irresponsible Self: On Laughter and the Novel

James Wood

The Irresponsible Self: On Laughter and the Novel
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Vintage
Country
United Kingdom
Published
15 September 2005
Pages
320
ISBN
9781844130979

The Irresponsible Self: On Laughter and the Novel

James Wood

“James Wood has been called our best young critic. This is not true. He is our best critic; he thinks with a sublime ferocity.”–Cynthia Ozick Following the collection “The Broken Estate”–which established James Wood as the leading critic of his generation–“The Irresponsible Self” confirms Wood’s preeminence, not only as a discerning judge but also as an appreciator of contemporary novels. In twenty-three passionate, sparkling dispatches, he effortlessly connects his encyclopedic, passionate understanding of the literary canon with an equally earnest and appreciative view of the most discussed authors writing today, including Franzen, Pynchon, Rushdie, DeLillo, Naipaul, David Foster Wallace, and Zadie Smith. This collection includes Wood’s famous and controversial attack on “hysterical realism,” and his sensitive but unsparing examinations of “White Teeth” and “Brick Lane,” “The Irresponsible Self” is indispensable reading for anyone who cares about modern fiction.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 3 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.